The accident has devastated the US cheer community. Photo / Instagram
The accident has devastated the US cheer community. Photo / Instagram
A US teen cheerleader may never be able to walk again after a horror accident that left her with a severe spinal injury.
Makayla Noble, from Texas, cheers for both her high school and competitively.
But the 16-year-old suffered life-changing injuries to her spinal cord on Monday in a "freak" tumbling accident – and now family are desperately "praying for a miracle" as Makayla faces an uncertain future.
A 16-year-old cheerleader has suffered severe spinal damage in a cheerleading accident. Photo / Instagram
The teenager, a member of Cheer Athletics, has already undergone one surgery but a second was called off because her "injury was too severe", according to local media.
A GoFundMe page has already raised more than US$53,000 ($75,000) as the family prepare for a long road ahead.
"Today we were presented with a glimpse of what the next 12 months will look like in terms of recovery for Mak. It was not easy news to digest," her mum Jenn Noble posted in a Facebook group dedicated to sharing news on the teen's situation.
Jenn called on her daughter's friends to pray Makayla's "movement will return", as well as her "pain and nausea will subside".
The exact details of her injuries and how they were obtained haven't been revealed yet, but tumbling – a form of gymnastics that requires athletes to use their bodies to flip, twist, roll and jump – can be incredibly dangerous if performed incorrectly.
Makayla's cheerleading community have rallied to support their star, with Instagram being flooded with messages of support and calls to donate to the fundraiser set up to help with mounting medical bills.
"Makayla you are so strong and I have no doubt that you will face the next 12 months with bravery, strength and a positive mindset as you do with everything in life. You have the whole world cheering you on," one wrote.
"Mak is such an inspiration in my life and will continue to be not for just me but for many others. She needs us right now and we will do just that," another said.
"Stay strong Makayla, you're going to come back on top after this, I know you will. I love you so so much, I wish I could give you the biggest hug and a kiss on the forehead right now," someone else added.
Friends have rallied to support the teen as she begins her recovery. Photo / Instagram
In a show of support, hundreds gathered in the carpark outside Medical City Plano Hospital where the 16-year-old is currently being treated, and held a vigil "praying for a miracle".
Sister Myriah shared an update on Instagram that stated Makayla was "now aware of her injuries and how severe they are".
"Please pray for her mental health as she starts to process this information and begins to face the challenges that will come along with her new lifestyle," she said.
"If anyone is going to overcome this, it's our Makayla."
